Memoir: Remembering legend Dev Anand

June 12: Dev Anand is considered a legend in the cinema world of India. The legendary Dev Anand was a Hindu by religion and a Chhetri by caste. Born on September 26, 1923, he grew up in Lahore. As a Punjab, he was fluent in both Hindi and Punjabi. Allegedly, he was also fluent in Urdu. Known for his love of diverse cultures, he has starred in multiple critically acclaimed films.

Legendary Dev Anand, known for his cinematic achievements, was also accomplished academically. He held a degree in B.A. and authored the memoir "Romancing with Life". His best motion picture is known to be "Jab Pyar Kisise Hota Hai" which was shot in Darjeeling. He starred in the leading role alongside Asha Parekh, who played the heroine role.

The above illustration shows the evergreen hero Dev Anand worshipping the famous World Peace Pagoda erected by the Japanese Buddhist monks in Rajgir Hill of Bihar State. The beloved actor was known for his love of different cultures and religions. He was believed to have deep respect for Buddhism and its teachings, as he became a vegetarian later in his life.

He stood at the zenith of his career when his super-hit film "Guide" was released. The original story of "Guide" was penned in English by R.K. Narayan of South India. Finding it a sublime tragedy-comedy saga, he was authorized to put it into Hindi version and appeared in celluloid film soon after.

He also possessed an in-depth love for Nepal, especially Kathmandu Valley and Pokhara Valley. The majority of the hit films "HARE RAM, HARE KRISHNA" were all shot in Kathmandu Valley. Some parts of "JOHNY MERA NAAM" were shot in Kathmandu. Several parts of "ISHQ ISHQ ISHQ" were also shot in Kathmandu, Pokhara and Kalimpong. 

The famous Bollywood movie star also helped promote Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (D.H.R.) by appearing in several hit films that were shot around Darjeeling. One of them being his magnum opus "Jab Pyar Kisise Hota Hai". Dev Anand had many fans in Darjeeling occupied by the Indian citizens of Nepalese origin and Nepali speaking. He also had many fans in Nepal.

Dev Anand died in his room at The Washington Mayfair Hotel in London at the age of 88 on 3 December 2011 of a cardiac arrest. His death came just two months after the release of his last film "Chargesheet", which he directed and produced. May his soul rest in peace.